Trafalgar Origins

This week, from Monday 12th 2010, sees the launch of Trafalgar Origins, a dramatic online flash game re-creating the bloody events leading up to the Battle of Trafalgar. The game is a Channel 4 Education commission created by Preloaded, an award winning creative studio focusing on arts, entertainment and education.

Set against a backdrop of growing tension between the British, French and Spanish, the game captures the danger and exhilaration of the moments leading up to the battle between Nelson and Napoleon. It also highlights the importance of foreigners in the navy and the vital role they played in securing victory for the British on the high seas. Every level of the game displays extraordinary historical accuracy as advised by Brian Lavery, Curator Emeritus at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, and renowned expert on the sailing navy.

With stunning cinematic graphics and beautifully created images, the game puts the player in charge of their own ship and crew as they play through a series of challenging set-pieces, earning gold and managing their men as they wage war with the enemy. With many different nationalities all press-ganged into fighting for the Brits, players have the opportunity to cherry pick their crew from ex-slaves from the West Indies to convicts from America, some of whom were the most skilled and courageous sailors in the fleet.

Players can either battle it out on their own, or enlist the help of their friends through a brilliant multi-player system.

Trafalgar Origins is the first game to utilize Channel 4 Education's new Facebook Connect component, which allows players to pull their mates from their own Facebook page into their game. It also pushes the player's achievements, scores and progress notifications back into their social network through a specially designed Facebook Application.

The game combines the amazing energy and drama of 19th century naval warfare with real life people and stories. This bloody slice of history provides a perfect backdrop for a really exciting gaming experience, which will appeal to a huge teen audience.

The game can be found at: www.trafalgarorigins.com

Comm. Ed: Alice Taylor

Prod. Co: Preloaded

Creative Director: Phil Stuart

Press contact: Rebecca Ladbury / 07941 224 975 / rebecca@ladburypr.com

Picture Publicist: Charles Fearn / 020 7306 8516 / cfearn@channel4.co.uk

Notes to Editors

Trafalgar Origins is a game commissioned by Channel 4 Education for the Bloody Foreigners season to be broadcast in June 2010, supporting the Hardy Pictures production of Battle of Trafalgar. The game has been created by Preloaded, the same studio responsible for Channel 4’s award-winning game 1066.

"We've created an educationally robust, casual game that combines the energy and drama of 19th Century naval warfare with the social context and human history that underpins the Channel 4 season. The history has provided a backdrop for a rich and dramatic gaming experience which will resonate strongly with the target audience."

Phil Stuart, Creative Director, Preloaded.

About Preloaded

Preloaded is an award winning creative studio, focusing on arts, entertainment and education. They create playful, interactive and educational products, which engage, surprise and excite. With a sharp eye for quality and a passion for engaging audiences, they are at the forefront of digital multi-platform content creation and delivery. Preloaded work with a range of clients, from broadcasters and production companies to galleries, museums, educators and enlightened brands. Their client list includes, amongst others, the BBC, Channel 4, Science Museum, Tate, Parliament Education and Arts Council England.

Award wins include gongs from BAFTA, Cannes Lions, Royal Television Society, SXSW (Best of Show) and most recently another BIMA award in the games category for Channel 4's 1066 game. Based in London's Shoreditch area, Preloaded is still independent and has just celebrated its 10th birthday.

About Brian Lavery

Brian Lavery is a Curator Emeritus at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, and a renowned expert on the sailing navy. Nelsonʼs Navy: The Ships, Men and Organisation 1793-1815 is an international bestseller and was used as a technical reference by Peter Weir and his crew during the filming of ʻMaster and Commanderʼ. In 2007, he won the prestigious Desmond Wettern Maritime Media Award, which recognises an individualʼs significant contribution to publicising the importance of the UKʼs maritime interests. His naval writing was further honoured in 2008 when he was awarded the Society for Nautical Researchʼs Anderson Medal.